STATEMENT REGARDING DETAINEE DEATH

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 12, 2022) – Oklahoma County Detention Center Director of Communications Mark Opgrande released the following statement regarding the death of Oklahoma County Jail detainee John Basco on Sept. 11. Basco was a plaintiff in a legal action against the Oklahoma County Jail. “Our sympathies are with Mr. Basco’s family and loved ones,” Opgrande said. “The State Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations is assisting in the investigation, but we can confirm there were no obvious signs of foul play.” “Additionally, we would like to note Mr. Basco’s lawsuit was against the previous jail administration, not against the Oklahoma Country Criminal Justice Authority or the current leadership,” he said, “We remain committed to providing the safest environment possible for detainees and staff.”